Here we are in February, schools are back, and we are all craving a return to normality with classes and outings to shops. Despite how cautious many of us are still understandably feeling, we really are so lucky compared to so many other places in the world aren't we!
On a personal note, I've required a bit of what I refer to as 'mature age maintenance' over the past few months. A hip requiring attention a few months ago, and two discs fused in my back a couple of weeks ago. Fabulous to have that behind me, and a very noticeable decrease in my pain levels thankfully. So this means we are a bit slower getting our normal class schedule back up and running, especially the groups I would normally take. My General Classes will gradually be restarted over the next few weeks, and classes taken by other teachers are ready to be up and running. Please give us a call if we haven't managed to contact you just yet.
Classes
RACHAEL DAISY - a few spots are available for her February classes! We are so totally excited to have Rachael join us in just under a week's time. Her classes are so full of fun, energy, colour and smiles. Something we can all do with plenty of! We have spots in the following - call us asap if interested. Click on the links below for details. Tuesday 16th February Groove is in the Heart Wednesday 17th February Yo-Yo Bloom Cushion - or Rachael has also agreed to offer Pine Star in that class also.
Veronique's Classes We are delighted that Veronique is joining us again this year, and enrolments are now open : 2nd Friday afternoon each month 1pm - 3:30pm (commencing 12th Feb) : Embroidery skills, and perfect for our 'Secret Garden' block of the month 3rd Wednesday morning each month, 10am - 12:30pm (commencing 17th March) : Applique and hand piecing - the perfect class to work on one of Veronique's pattern . Have you seen her stunning new quilt on display in our shop? $30 per class. Bookings essential
Product of the Month
Ultra-Fine Ez Tweezy from The Gypsy Quilter Featuring an ultra-fine point that will fit into every tiny nook and cranny, these tweezers are the perfect choice for removing paper-piecing foundations and applique templates. They can also be used to precisley place fused fabrics, remove or reposition threads, and as a stiletto when sewing. The possibilities are endless!
Staff Favourites
Carol's pick this month is the Superior Titanium-coated Topstitch Machine Needles. They make SUCH an amazing difference to your machine stitching. It's recommended that you change your needle every 8 hours when machine stitching - these needles are guaranteed to last 5 to 8 times longer than a conventional needle.
Jenna's favourite this month are Wonderclips. Available in a pack of 10 or 50 these fantastic little clips can be used for all manner of projects. Use them to hold down binding on a quilt, hold together EPP pieces, they are fantastic when making any of the ByAnnie bags, and are a game changer when it comes to zippers.
Sue loves the Olfa Endurance Blade for rotary cutters. As something we use all the time, they cut beautifully and last so much longer than normal blades.
A Letter to My Daughter - Quilt Kit NOW AVAILABLE! Designed by Natalie Bird Fabric Kit to make the 2021 Homespun Block of the Month Quilt - Letter to My Daughter. Includes all fabric to make the quilt top, including the pre-printed mini stitchery panel. Backing and threads can be purchased separately at a special price if purchased with kit. Pre-printed mini stichery panel also available as a stand alone purchase.
Thora Belle by Emma Jean Jansen Perspex templates are also available with this pattern. It can be made with a dark background and rich feature fabrics or for a totally different look why not a light grunge backing and bright feature prints?
Southern Belle by Sandra Boyle Sandra's quilts are a great way to use up scraps and tiny pieces that you've got leftover. Southern Belle is her newest pattern. Starter packs will be available soon! Pattern available now.
Magazines
The following magazine is now available – order yours now so you can be assured of a copy
Quiltmania Issue 141 – now available. Includes Part 1 of the Pour Hélène Block of the Month. Month 1 fabric pack available soon. Register your interest with us today to join this mystery BOM.
Fabrics
Tilda Woodland Inspired by the forest, Woodland is the perfect collection for bringing nature into your home through quilts and pillows. The collection has a serene Nordic look, with a cozy addition of illustrated scenes from forest life. Free patterns featuring these fabrics can be found on the Tilda's world website by clicking here. Why not have a look and ask us about putting a kit together for you.
Tarrytown by Michelle Yeo. Michelle's 4th fabric collection features a reproduction of a gorgeous floral in 3 colourways, complemented beautifully with a stunning toile and 6 other beautiful prints.
Books
Quilting with Liberty Fabrics by Jenni Smith. Celebrate 145 years of iconic Liberty London fabric with this sumptuous combination of practical pattern book and fascinating company history. Bound in a beautiful hardcover and presented in a slip cover both featuring iconic Liberty prints this is a must have for any Liberty lover.
Urban Quilts by Suzuko Koseki. Due this week! A fantastically contemporary book of everyday items designed with recycled fabrics, floral prints and old clothes. Suzuko's use of form and colour gives a modern touch to each project.
Quilts for Life 2 by Judy Newman. New stock due very this week! This sold out so quickly last time it never made it to our previous newsletter. Judy's delightful fabric play brings colourful vintage and modern prints together, along with her love of Medallions, stars, hexagons, EPP, fussy cutting and applique.
